Egyptian blue

Egyptian blue, known as calcium copper silicate (CaCuSi₄O₁₀) or cuprorivaite, is a pigment that has been used for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egypt.

It is considered the first synthetic pigment ever created.

In terms of its appearance, Egyptian blue is a rich, deep blue that can range from a lighter to a darker hue depending on its composition and processing.

The color is a result of its main component—copper—which imparts the distinctive blue coloration.

In the RGB color space, it is composed of about 6.27% red, 20.39% green, and 65.1% blue.

In the CMYK color space, it contains approximately 90% cyan, 69% magenta, 0% yellow, and 35% black.

The hexadecimal color code for Egyptian blue is #1034A6.

This color has a hue angle of around 225.6 degrees, a saturation of 82.4%, and a lightness of 35.7%.

It's a vivid blue that carries the legacy of its historical significance, often associated with royalty and divinity in ancient Egypt.

This pigment was used extensively until the end of the Roman period in Europe, after which its use declined significantly.

It was also used in the production of numerous objects, including cylinder seals, beads, scarabs, inlays, pots, and statuettes.

Today, the knowledge of how to create Egyptian blue has been rediscovered, allowing us to appreciate and utilize this vibrant color that connects us to the ancient world.

Calvin Xiang, a passionate industrial design student, had always been fascinated by ancient civilizations. His latest obsession was "Egyptian blue," a pigment used by the ancient Egyptians that had a unique, almost magical quality. Calvin believed that this ancient color could revolutionize modern industrial design, but he needed proof.

One evening, while working late in the university's design lab, Calvin received an unexpected delivery. Betsey Rodriguez, a cheerful and curious delivery worker, handed him a small, intricately carved wooden box. "This is for you," she said with a smile. "It looks important."

Calvin opened the box to find a small vial of Egyptian blue pigment and a note written in an elegant, flowing script. The note read: "Unlock the secrets of the past to shape the future. Use this pigment wisely."

Intrigued, Calvin decided to experiment with the pigment. He mixed it with various materials, discovering that it had unique properties. When combined with certain metals, it created a luminescent effect, and when used with ceramics, it produced a mesmerizing, iridescent finish.

Betsey, who had become friends with Calvin, often visited the lab to see his progress. She was fascinated by the transformations the pigment could achieve. One day, she suggested, "Why don't we create something together? Something that showcases the magic of Egyptian blue."

Calvin agreed, and they began brainstorming ideas. They decided to design a series of futuristic, yet functional, household items. Their first creation was a lamp that emitted a soft, calming blue glow, perfect for relaxation. Next, they designed a set of kitchenware with iridescent surfaces that changed color depending on the angle of the light.

As they worked, they noticed something strange. The more they used the pigment, the more it seemed to respond to their intentions. It was as if the pigment had a life of its own, enhancing their designs in ways they hadn't anticipated.

One night, while working on a particularly challenging project, Calvin and Betsey discovered a hidden compartment in the wooden box. Inside was an ancient scroll with detailed instructions on how to harness the full potential of Egyptian blue. The scroll revealed that the pigment was not just a color but a conduit for creativity and innovation.

With this newfound knowledge, Calvin and Betsey's designs became even more extraordinary. They created a series of products that were not only beautiful but also highly functional. Their work caught the attention of a major design firm, which offered them a partnership to develop a new line of products.

As their creations gained popularity, Calvin and Betsey realized that they had unlocked something truly special. The ancient pigment had bridged the gap between the past and the future, allowing them to create designs that were both timeless and cutting-edge.

Their journey with Egyptian blue had been mysterious and exciting, filled with unexpected discoveries and creative breakthroughs. Calvin and Betsey had not only found a way to use the ancient pigment in modern design but had also formed a lasting friendship built on curiosity and innovation.

And so, the enigma of Egyptian blue continued to inspire and captivate, proving that sometimes, the most extraordinary ideas come from the most unexpected places.